Remains of a Tongass clear-cut and logging road north of Ketchikan. (Photo by Ed Schoenfeld/CoastAlaska)

Governor Bill Walker’s administration is looking for Alaskans to serve on an advisory committee that will shape the future of the Tongass National Forest.

In August, the U.S. Forest Service announced it would be considering building new roads in the wilder parts of the Tongass. This is different from the federal legislation most states have to follow.

The committee will discuss which areas in the Tongass could have new roads. Alaska’s congressional delegation has said having enough access to timber and mining opportunities is a priority.

The governor’s office says it’s seeking applications for a “diverse” panel of up to 13 people, including Alaska Native regional corporations and tribes, local governments and environmental groups as well as interests from tourism, mining, energy, timber and fishing.

“Of course, I think any environmental group that’s paying attention to these issues is going consider putting their hat in the ring to be able to be at the table,” Trainor said.

Trainor is skeptical the governor’s office will be able to select a balanced committee to oversee the future of road building in the Tongass, since it was the state that asked for an Alaska Roadless Rule exemption in the first place.

But a spokesperson for the Alaska Division of Forestry says the agency is committed to bringing a broad range of objective people together.

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In public comments made available on a federal site, most North Slope institutions didn’t express outright opposition to the plan. But they did voice concern for subsistence resources and hunters' continued access to them.

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Join us for the opening reception of John Hutchins' photo show "Every Kind of Joy: Folk in Alaska." Hutchins' images capture the magic of music from the stage to the

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Join us for the opening reception of John Hutchins’ photo show “Every Kind of Joy: Folk in Alaska.” Hutchins’ images capture the magic of music from the stage to the hotel-room jam. Opening reception begins at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5 –the eve of the 45th annual Alaska Folk Festival.

John Hutchins will display his music-related photos thought the month of April in the KTOO Public Media building. (Photo courtesy of John Hutchins)

Artist bio: “John Hutchins lives in Juneau and will always choose music over sleep”

MudroomsReal people. real stories. Live, on stage. “Mudrooms” is a community-powered monthly event in Juneau, where real people tell real stories, live. Anchorage has “Arctic Entries”. In Juneau, we’re just as sophisticated – just a little muddier. Mudrooms’ creators are Amanda Compton and Alida Bus. Audio production by Marc Wheeler.

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